Hello World: Class of 2015

As a senior, graduation peeks over the horizon, eager to thrust us into the world of professionalism and adulthood. And that is so exciting! I am ready to make my mark in the world. Create value in a traditional market and give more back to society than I consume. A number of things are on the table. While considering going back into industry to work with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Corporation, I am also looking more and more into graduate school. Especially in this dynamic age, an advanced degree helps by eliciting a deeper understanding of engineering and engineering subsystems. It allows you to not only design something, but to design it well. These past four years have rocketed by and taught me lessons inside and outside of the classroom. However, in pursuit of an advanced degree, I believe it is time to leave the nest and again expand my knowledge base beyond the gates of USC. Again, I wish to step outside of my comfort zone and immerse myself in another network of professionals. I feel this will allow me to grow the most. Interacting with students from different backgrounds, different undergraduate, and life experiences. USC will always hold a special place in my mind, as my alma mater.

As undergraduates, get the full Trojan experience. Try new organizations, apply for that job you never thought you would ever get, and little by little, your actions and their outcomes will align with your dreams. If you think it, breathe it, and live it, there are no regrets. That is the USC tradition: living and learning relentlessly. This does not mean you need a plan in place right now, or even in your senior year. But you have to give it thought, you have to sit down and look at your options, because if you do not, I guarantee opportunities will pass you by. Parties come and go, money comes and goes, but time, time just goes.

Fight On!

Markus

Author

Markus

Astronautical Engineering, Class of 2015, Learn more on his profile here!